Mk for felting wool shoes. We roll spring ankle boots ... We make ourselves the most stylish shoes ourselves! Do-it-yourself felted shoes: making and decorating

Felt shoes - natural, warm, comfortable, practical and absolutely indispensable in severe frosts, have become the subject of increased demand of modern fashionistas. Being a hallmark of the "Russian style", felt "fever" captured not only the expanses of the CIS, but also spread throughout the world.

If about twenty years ago felt boots were considered primitive, ugly and rough shoes, then the modern variety of designs of author's dump trucks, rolled irons, felt boots, pims, cats, chuneys and combs causes sincere delight and a desire to replenish your wardrobe with a couple of stylish handmade items.

Decorated with appliqué and lacing, embroidered with rhinestones and stones, trimmed with fur, combined with knitting, decorated with pom-poms and ribbons, and even painted, our dear and kind felt boots have turned into works of art, putting even Finnish ugg boots to shame.

If you are on fire with the idea of organizing a fashion show in exclusive felt boots to the envy of everyone around you, I suggest mastering an exciting hobby - hand felting technology, and making felt boots for yourself. Based on your individual preferences, you can safely vary the color scheme, style and decor of your products.

Making felt boots does not require special equipment, although the process of felting a “simple” felt boot is rather complicated, painstaking and long. Therefore, you will have to be patient. Wet felting is usually done by wool beaters in a bathhouse.

We can get by with an ordinary kitchen equipped with a table.

sheep wool;
pimply polyethylene film;
mosquito net;
hot soapy water (the hotter the better)
template for felt boots;
wooden massage rolling pin (if any);
And the best and indispensable tool is our golden pens.

Step-by-step instruction

Step 1

Wool for hand felting. Sheep wool, preferably autumn haircut. It is better to take a carded comb (semi-coarse, coarse). You can find and buy it in a needlework store or order it online.

Wool consumption depends on the size of the boots, the height of the top and the thickness of the wool layer. On average, boots for an adult will need 700-1300 gr. For a child, approximately 600g.

Step 2

Sample. We draw a pattern for our felt boots on a piece of paper. We calculate the required size and height of the bootleg, taking into account 40% wool shrinkage (foot length + 40%, bootleg width + 40%). We draw as generally as possible, adding calculated allowances along the contour from all sides.

We are especially attentive to the rise, if it is too narrow, the leg will not fit. The ideal material for the template is polyethylene foam (a heat-insulating material used as a substrate for laminate flooring).

You can cut a pattern from ordinary dense polyethylene. For children's boots, it is convenient to use a template with a combined bell for the simultaneous felting of two boots at once, which then will need to be cut in half along the tops.

Step 3

blank. Laying wool over the pattern is the most crucial moment. We cover the table with a pimply film, put our template on it. From the combed wool fiber, we stretch out long strands with our hands and carefully lay them on top of our pattern, first across and then along the template.

It is necessary to lay out the wool carefully, in a uniform layer of the same density. You can put a little more wool on the toe and heel. Lay out 3-4 layers. For one layer we consider the layout of wool along and across. Wet the laid wool with soapy water.

We turn the workpiece over, wrap the protruding edges on the front side and repeat the procedure for laying out the wool in perpendicular layers.

Step 4

Felting and skating. We spray our workpiece - a semi-roll with hot soapy water, wrap it in a net and begin to knead and rub the surface with our hands. Wool loves ironing. Be sure to smooth out all wrinkles, lumps and folds - we fashion the shape. We form our boots, similar to a giant sock.

We make sure that the layers do not move and holes do not form. We periodically water our boots with hot water and soap so that it shrinks evenly. We take out the template and iron the felt boots from the inside with our hands.

We continue to intensively knead the workpiece, you can compact it, twist it, rolling it with a wooden massage roller until the felt boot becomes the desired size and shape and the wool stops pulling out of the felt. We repeat the whole procedure with the second boots. We check the symmetry of the pair by periodically applying them to each other.

Three large boots until the desired shrinkage. At this stage, you can adjust the shape directly on the leg, after putting on a woolen sock and a plastic bag. We trample down until we achieve the desired right-left shape.

We knock out protruding places with a hammer. We rinse the finished boots in cold water and set to dry, stuffing them tightly with crumpled paper or plastic bottles of suitable shape to keep their shape.

Step 5

Decoration. The possibilities for decorating felt boots are endless. On the Internet you can find many original ideas and the necessary accessories for every taste and budget. Go ahead" - show your imagination, create with pleasure and surprise your loved ones with unique works of your hands.

The word “boots” is often associated with something warm, funny and outdated. “As simple as a felt boot”, “To roll Vanka” - these sayings have forever become part of the everyday life of a Russian person. But few people know that felting felt boots was considered one of the most profitable crafts in Russia, and the fuller was held in high esteem by every rank and estate. Valenki were considered a luxury, and only wealthy people could afford them. In peasant houses, there was usually one couple for all family members.

Even despite all the modern technologies, they have not yet come up with warmer and more practical shoes for a harsh winter than Russian felt boots. They are still worn in the villages and are shown in the collections of Russian and Western fashion designers.

Do you want to learn how to make felt boots?

Our master class will help you! Since felting felt boots is a long and laborious process, you should not immediately make them in full size. We will try to make mini felt boots that you can give to friends as a New Year's souvenir or hang them on a Christmas tree as an unusual toy.

By and large, all you need to create mini boots is wool, hands and water. But how to make felt boots neat and aesthetically attractive?

To do this, we need some additional materials:

felting wool (skein)
a small piece of building insulation (can be replaced with any flexible waterproof material)
soap solution (you can add dishwashing detergent to the water)
also prepare the following tools:
film or oilcloth for work
felting napkin (you can use a mosquito net)
spray
scissors

1. Cut out the template from a piece of building insulation - as in the picture. The insulation is convenient in that it is then easy to remove it from ready-made boots.

2. We spread a film or oilcloth on the table. Now everything is ready for work.

3. We take a skein of wool in the left hand, with the right hand we pinch the ends, pressing the wool with our fingers to the palm of our hand, and pull it out. It is necessary to pull it out, and not tear it off or pull it, in order to get a translucent fluffy strand of wool. With such strands, we will lay out the template.

4. We begin to lay the first layer, we place all the strands in one direction - across the template. We spread evenly, slightly going beyond the edges of the template.

5. Lay the second layer perpendicular to the first. If we placed strands across - now we put them along. We make sure that there are no "holes" and gaps. Layers should not be too thin, but not thick either. Wool needs to be "felt".

6. Lay the third layer, placing strips of wool at an angle of 45 degrees.

7. We make the fourth layer - we fix the previous third with very thin transparent hairs. Can be laid out in different directions.

8. We wet our workpiece with soapy water. You need to wet it properly so that the wool is well saturated. Cover the top with a napkin or mosquito net. Press down several times with your hands. We do this carefully so that the wool does not move.

9. Remove the napkin, hook the template along with the wool with your fingertips and turn it over.

10. We bend the wool that goes beyond the edges of the template. Smooth it out so that there are no wrinkles. Even if it was not possible to smooth out all the folds - do not be alarmed, they will be smoothed out during the felting process.

11. Now lay out the same layers of wool on the other side. We are trying to fill in the empty spaces.

12. Wet with soapy water, cover with a napkin. Press several times on top with palms.

13. Remove the napkin, turn the template over and bend the protruding strands of wool, as in the first time.

14. A very important point: our workpiece must be symmetrical. If you notice irregularities - put some wool there, cover with a napkin and press it several times.

15. Now you can safely start felting. Wet the template with soapy water, cover with a napkin and begin to rub. Rub lightly at first, then when you feel that the wool has begun to fall off, work with full force. Do not forget about the sides of the workpiece. We roll for about 15-20 minutes.

16. Remove the napkin and add it with your fingers, especially in the places of bends. The wool should fit snugly around the pattern. Gradually, you yourself will feel how much force it is necessary to felt the workpiece.

17. We take scissors and cut our workpiece into two equal parts.

18. Now you need to roll the edges. To do this, do not completely remove the template and three edges with your fingers.

19/. Delete the template. We put on felt boots on our fingers and continue to roll. An excellent result can be achieved by rubbing the workpiece on an oilcloth. From friction, the wool heats up and falls off better. Constantly monitor the amount of soap solution. You can periodically dip the felt boots in a container of soapy water.

20. We make sure that the boots are the same and even. If one turns out to be larger in size - roll it separately, giving the desired shape.

21. Whether the felt boots are ready or not, it is easy to check by pinching them with your fingers: if a lot of hairs have come off, you need to roll more.

22. Rinse our mini boots in clean water and leave to dry.

If you want to repeat this fascinating process, you can pile on New Year's gifts for all your friends, or try to make full-size felt boots. Exactly the same technology can be used to make mittens, slippers and many other wonderful souvenirs, clothing and shoes!

We express our gratitude to the Klubok studio for the master class.

How I hated winter all my adult life! That is, theoretically, I was ready to admit that at this time of the year it is very beautiful. But cold! Terribly, unbearably cold! And this cancels everything else ... I don’t know about others, but no boots protect me from frost: just below -10 degrees - that's it, my legs get cold. And life after that no longer pleases, and the beauty of the surrounding nature does not inspire ...

Only in the first rural winter, being already in adulthood, I discovered for myself all the good things that the cold season brings us. And all - thanks to ... felt boots! These are the first shoes in which I am absolutely comfortable and not at all cold in cold weather, so I compose my “ode to felt boots” from the bottom of my heart, in sincere admiration.

Why is he so good?

Today, felt boots are back in fashion and, fortunately, are no longer perceived as an attribute of toddler or deep retirement age :) In modern models, you can walk around the city - but we were once ashamed to leave the house in them and suffered in fashionable boots, in vain trying to find those that would at least save a little from terrible discomfort in severe frost. And today, on the catwalks of the whole world, models flaunt in designer boots; women of fashion, not only in cold Siberia, but also in European capitals, do not consider it shameful to wear them.
Why did this simple shoe revive, become fashionable and in demand again these days? What is the reason for the unexpected interest? After all, there are probably more serious reasons for this than a momentary whim of fashion or a fad of a popular couturier? Of course have!

It's warm in boots

And this is their main advantage. They perfectly protect from the most severe frosts, so in winter for our harsh climate it is difficult to find the best option.

Boots are comfortable

You will hardly find another shoe that is able to take the shape of the foot so precisely and maintain it, which will give such comfort. Initially, after all, both felt boots are right. Well, or left)) In general, the same. But after a very short time, a well-made shoe will turn out to be perfectly fitted to the leg: it doesn’t press anywhere, doesn’t press, doesn’t rub - just a fairy tale!

Valenki are healing

Natural sheep wool has long been famous for its beneficial effect on the body. If you wear felt boots at home, putting them on bare feet, you can get rid of many problems - including joint pain, circulatory diseases and other common ailments. In any case, noticeably improve the condition - for sure.

Boots are durable

Many are convinced that modern shoes rarely last long. And often it does not depend on the price or the manufacturer: expensive boots can become unusable as quickly as a cheap pair. But good felt boots (with proper care, of course) are able to serve their owner for decades!

Actually, in Russian villages, felt boots have never gone out of fashion: although they are sometimes unsightly, they are absolutely indispensable for rural life. And good craftsmen capable of making such winter shoes have always been and remain held in high esteem by the villagers. But about that how and why the triumphant return of felt boots happened to city streets what boots are in fashion today, how and with what to combine them correctly, will tell the next video

True, it is worth remembering and considering: not every felt boot has the listed advantages and benefits. In order not to be disappointed in traditional vintage shoes, you need to choose correctly. And here it turns out that everything is not so simple. After all, the felt boots themselves are different, and everyone has their own purpose of acquiring them: someone needs them to go on winter fishing, and someone needs them to put on a fashionable fur coat and at a winter out-of-town party their girlfriends "slay on the spot" :))

A little later, we will certainly talk about how not to make a mistake with the choice, but for now, let's expand our horizons a little more - we will find out what and how boots are made. Believe me, such knowledge will be very useful when we finally go shopping.

How to make felt boots

Making felt boots is a rather hard work that requires considerable physical effort. Yes, and this is not too fast, if you roll the shoes by hand. For those who are interested, be sure to watch the following video, where the whole process is shown in great detail. Of course, each master has his own special techniques, but in general, the technology has remained unchanged since ancient times - as they felted hundreds of years ago, so now

It is clear that excellent felt boots are obtained in this way - comfortable, comfortable, very warm. They fully preserve all the best properties and qualities of this traditional footwear. Only now there are very few masters left, and it is not possible for them to supply everyone who wants it. Therefore, in large quantities, boots are produced, of course, in factory conditions. And this is how it happens...

As you can see, even in production, machines cannot completely replace a person, and a significant part of the operations is still performed manually. Technique makes the task easier, takes on the hardest part of the work, but as in the old days, the quality of finished boots largely depends on the hands of the master from his experience and skill.

It may seem that time has stopped at these factories: technology and equipment have remained virtually unchanged for more than a dozen years. And in Belarus, and in Moscow, and in Kazakhstan, felted shoes are made using tried and tested traditional methods. Moreover, both for materials and for each operation there are strict standards and rules. What are the requirements for quality of raw materials how does it turn into warm shoes, and where is it located the biggest boot in the world, will tell the next short video

felt boots strife

Not every felt boot, however, will please its owner. Law of the market: demand creates supply, and this offer is not always from a conscientious manufacturer.

As we have already found out, The best felt boots are made from sheep's wool.- they are the warmest, most durable and comfortable. Moreover, not every sheep's wool is “correct”: both the season of shearing and the characteristics of the finished raw material (humidity, fat content, the presence of impurities, and so on) are taken into account. Traditionally, wool of autumn shearing was considered the most suitable for felted shoes, but in factory conditions it is often used, mixing with “spring” in strictly specified proportions. However, there are products on sale that contain goat hair, and even horse hair or synthetic fiber, or even just cotton wool. It is clear that in terms of their properties, such shoes will differ from the “original” - and not for the better.

Unfortunately, only a connoisseur can determine the composition "by eye", and we - amateurs - can only rely on the conscientiousness of the manufacturer and the awareness of the seller. If there are no familiar craftsmen, or handmade felt boots are simply not affordable (and the price of one pair today in our area starts from 5-6 thousand rubles), we go to choose shoes, armed with at least a minimum of knowledge.

Good boots should not be too thick and rough. Contrary to popular misconception, the thickness of the product is not at all a guarantee of warmth and comfort. A manual roller allows you to make thin, soft felt boots that can literally be rolled up into a roll - and at the same time they will remain warmer than their factory counterparts, hard and “inflexible”. By the way, factory-made felted shoes can be distinguished, among other things, by the edge: for those made by hand, they are most often soft and not very even, and factory ones are cut to the desired length with a special knife, so their upper edge is usually neat, straight and solid. The downside is that he can rub his leg - pay attention to this nuance during the fitting

And it is necessary to measure felt boots - otherwise it will hardly be possible to choose a suitable pair, comfortable in all respects. And here it is very important to determine the size. There are many subtleties here. Hand-rolled felt boots practically do not shrink, so you can buy them exactly in size, but factory ones advise taking 1-2 sizes larger, because over time they will definitely sit in length and spread in width. Shoes with rubber soles are less prone to shrinkage - there is enough stock for 1 size.

Remember: the sizes of the boots are different from the usual ones. shoe. How to know yours?

Method 1

Put on a woolen sock and measure the length of the foot (it is more convenient to do this if you first circle it, and then measure the distance from the toe to the heel). The resulting number (in centimeters) is your boot size. If the number turned out to be fractional, it is rounded up.

Method 2

There are size matching tables, but if you are reluctant to remember them, you can use the simplest formula: your usual size minus 13. True, the trick is that the resulting result will differ from the tabular one. But here discrepancies were generally found: even the manufacturers of felt boots give contradictory information (in the proposed tables, the numbers can vary plus or minus the size). Therefore, in order not to mislead anyone, I do not give tables (those who wish can easily find them on the Internet).

It is most reliable, having determined the approximate size by calculation or measurement, then select a suitable pair by fitting.

If needed felt boots for a child You can refer to the following numbers:

for age up to 1 year - 13 boots size (shoe size 24-25)
for age 1 year - size 14 (shoes size 25-26)
for 1.5 years - size 15 (corresponds to shoe size 26-27)
for 2-2.5 years - size 16 (with shoe size 27-28)
for 3 years - size 17 (shoes size 28-29)
for 3.5 years - size 18 (shoes size 29-30)
for 4 years - 19 size (corresponds to 30-31 shoe sizes)
for 5 years - size 20 (shoes size 31-32).

Other signs of a quality felt boot and the secrets of choosing a good pair will reveal the following short video

How to care for boots

High-quality felt boots serve their owner not only for years - for decades. Of course, with good and proper care. The boots have two main enemies: moth and dampness. It is from them that it is necessary to protect him and protect him in every possible way.

In urban conditions, it is most difficult to protect yourself from dampness: whatever one may say, it is necessary to enter the premises and transport - and there will definitely be puddles from the melted snow. Snow "porridge" on the streets sprinkled with salt or sprinkled with reagents is the worst enemy for any shoe. What to do?

One of the most familiar and most accessible methods is to put on galoshes. Not only in the city, but also in the country on wet snow at the beginning of winter, early spring or during thaws, it is better to walk in felt boots with galoshes. The usual look of this product - black glossy rubber and a bright lining - is almost never found today. But recently they were extremely popular.

Moreover, there was a time when galoshes not only provided comfort, but also emphasized the high status of their owner. In general, it turns out that they have a rather long and interesting history. For those who are interested, be sure to watch the following video; it is small, and at least not about felt boots, but it is most directly related to the topic of our conversation today

In general, nothing is better than galoshes for protecting boots from moisture. Shiny rubber went out of fashion, but new models appeared - transparent, silicone. In terms of properties, they are not inferior to rubber ones, but, of course, they look more elegant. They can be worn even on beautiful felt boots with patterns - they won’t spoil the look.

Another option for moisture protection is molded outsole, which is welded to the finished boots in the factory. This shoe is no different from ordinary boots. Except for the service life: experts say that felted shoes “on a rubber run” live less than traditional ones. But nothing can be changed here: galoshes can be removed if desired, but the sole on felt boots is forever.

Coming back from a walk shake off the snow with boots before entering the house. Wet shoes are a must dry. Just do not put it on the battery - felt boots can shrink a lot, lose their shape. It is advised to dry them at a temperature not higher than +40 degrees, located near a heat source (heater, radiator, stove, and so on).

The contaminated steam can brush, and semolina will help restore the former beauty of white felt boots: sprinkle dry shoes with grits, rub lightly (so that the semolina absorbs dirt), shake off and thoroughly clean the surface with a brush.

When the season is over, shoes are desirable ventilate, dry in the sun and put away until next winter, remembering to use moth remedies. What it will be - you decide: someone just wraps it in newspapers, someone pours tobacco, some put special moth pills, others use herbs - lavender, tansy, wormwood ... However, no method gives a 100% guarantee, so periodically it is recommended to remove felt boots from storage and check if a flying enemy has encroached on them.

Do-it-yourself felted shoes: making and decorating

Not everyone can afford to make real felt boots with their own hands at home, but to make cozy and warm felted slippers simpler, so those who want to try their hand at this craft can start with them.

Such work is within the power of even a fragile woman. Well, the details of the technology are in the next master class.

Ways to decorate felted shoes You can devote a separate article, but for now - we will limit ourselves to listing. Some options are worth taking note of: with their help, it is quite possible to turn even the most ordinary factory-made felt boots into unique and elegant shoes. So, boots decorate ...

embroidery

You can embroider with threads, beads, glass beads. Threads are usually used woolen, thick enough (so that the pattern is more expressive, and the work does not drag on for weeks and months). For embroidery with beads, use a thin but strong fishing line or a special synthetic thread. Pay attention to the quality of the beads - after all, they will be tested by frost, water and other adverse conditions. Only colored glass can withstand them with honor - the paint applied to the surface of the beads will quickly peel off. And keep in mind: the stitches for any embroidery should be through; trying to apply the pattern superficially, you will only spoil the boots.

applique

This method is simpler than embroidery, but it gives, perhaps, even more scope for creativity. Here you can use felt and colored felt, lace and braid, trimmings of leather and fur, crocheted motifs, woolen pom-poms, all kinds of accessories - you can’t list everything. Just do not use glue - it is better to carefully sew the appliqué (through stitches, as in embroidery).

carving

A figured shaft with an openwork pattern along the hem is a spectacular and stylish decor option. As a rule, it is supplemented with embroidery or appliqué. Just keep in mind: this option will not look good on every model. And if this kind of work is new to you, you should first practice on old shoes so as not to ruin a good pair.

Craftswomen also stuff the pattern with colored wool; they paint the whole felt boots or paint them with special paints; they make an edge of faux or natural fur ... Designers are not averse to experimenting with the form - like this, for example:

But even without special “decorations”, felted shoes (especially handmade ones) will be both comfortable and healthy. Winter has come to our region - it's time to get boots))

And finally, another video. About the history of felt boots, interesting facts about his "biography" and much, much more

By the way, do you wear boots?

Video master class on making summer felted shoes (light shoes) from Marina Klimchuk

An informative productive master class awaits you, after which you will gain knowledge sufficient for the independent production of felted shoes.

This MK is for people who want to learn how to create natural, healing, beautiful shoes for themselves, their loved ones and for other noble purposes.

Suitable for both beginners and people with felting experience.

Course program:

A detailed description of the construction of a template according to individual measurements, an increase in shrinkage, as well as the features of trimming volumetric complex shapes.

The main stages of shrinkage of a hard felted fabric without violating the phased felling, as well as determining the quality of dumping, compliance with the technical requirements of the process.

Formation of felted shoes with the help of professional shoe and felting tools, as well as without them.

Installation of soles on felted shoes, installation of accessories.

Shoe materials of high-quality assembly of felted shoes, which meets all operating standards for many years.

Collection of felted shoes by the method of re-rolling, additional seams for fastening the felted base.

The peculiarity of the manufacture of felted shoes, which retain all the healing properties of sheep's wool, as well as the versatility of the integrality of the form, and how to preserve all the properties and integrity of the form during manual felling, in order to obtain fashionable and stylish felted shoes, ballet flats.

It also provides information on manufacturers and suppliers of wool, soles and shoe accessories.

Detailed plan of the video course:

1. Introduction. Look right here:

2. We take measurements, we stand the template 11 min

3. Layout of wool. The process of waving. 2h 10 min.

4. Installing the sole 28 min

5. Forming 42 min.

6. Hardware installation 4 min.

7. A detailed summary of the master class + a very valuable list - all the secret places where you can order high-quality fittings and soles.

The video course will be presented in two versions:

1. On a USB flash drive(for those who do not have very fast internet)

The flash drive can be picked up by self from the Shkatulochka studio (Moscow, Godovikova 2, daily from 9 am to 8 pm) or ordered by mail (delivery by 1st class) or by courier in Moscow.

2. Internet version. Total download size 8 GB

3800 rub. for internet version

4200 rub. - version on USB flash drive

The versions are exactly the same, only the cost of the flash drive is added

And I also want to draw your attention - The master class is protected by an electronic key. What does it mean? When you first start the master class, you will see a window in which you will need to enter your license key once, which you receive with a flash drive or when ordering an online version.

Activation needs to be done only at the first launch, on all subsequent launches you will not be asked for a key. With this personal key, you can activate the master class on 3 different computers (for example, a computer and a laptop). After activation, the master class remains tied to the computer on which you activated it. If you reinstall Windows on your computer, you will also need a key. That is why we give you the ability to reuse the key so that you can watch the course where it is convenient for you.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the versions for Windows OS and Apple computers are different. If you are an Apple owner, please indicate this when ordering.

The master class is available for order and at the Fair of Masters

Do you have any questions? Write [email protected] Elena Samodivka (Kuznetsova)

So five days in St. Petersburg flew by - five wonderful days that included a lot of work, with excellent results, a lot of impressions and made new friends ....
The trip was really successful in every sense - the weather did not let us down, it was warm and dry; autumn St. Petersburg and especially Peterhof in full splendor ... but most importantly, my master class on felting boots and installing them on the sole took place (it took place !!!)
Felting wool master class is not simple and quite complex - a lot of information and a lot of physical work .... and only three days to get the result - Boots, felted and assembled with their own hands. The girls are all so different, but so Cool and Talented! - everyone tried and worked at full strength, with faith in the final result! For three days we were both designers, and pimokats, and shoemakers .... they waved a rubel and wielded a shoe hook, they were very tired ... .., and once again very tired, but the result was worth it - neat, even and comfortable Boots, made by their own hands, for their own legs, taking into account all their features and preserving all useful properties wool)))

Master class on felting day one.

We started with the theory of building a pattern for shoes, correct foot measurements and selection of soles. Then we moved on to the layout and lapping of the wool on the template